A. Rafanelli

Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

9.324 ratings
9.25 pro ratings
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
Cabernet Sauvignon
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy
Top Notes For
Jay Kline

Poured into a decanter about an hour prior to service and enjoyed over the course of several hours. The 2006 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with lovely notes of black and red currants, black and red, bramble fruit, tobacco, leather, cocoa, earth, and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. Despite the character and quality, I didn’t find this to be a powerhouse rather, this was quietly confident. The finish is long, lovely…very demure. Looking great at 18 years young and there’s a lot of life left. If this is any indication of longevity, the 2006 “Terrace Select” might live forever. Drink now with a decant for air and sediment and enjoy through 2036 easy.

Poured into a decanter about an hour prior to service and enjoyed over the course of several hours. The 2006 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with lovely notes of black and red currants, black and red, bramble fruit, tobacco, leather, cocoa, earth, and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. Despite the character and quality, I didn’t find this to be a powerhouse rather, this was quietly confident. The finish is long, lovely…very demure. Looking great at 18 years young and there’s a lot of life left. If this is any indication of longevity, the 2006 “Terrace Select” might live forever. Drink now with a decant for air and sediment and enjoy through 2036 easy.

Oct 26th, 2024
Yoon Ha

Master Sommelier/Wine Director Benu

9.4

May not be text book but super fun to drink in a way that many wines aren't these days.

May not be text book but super fun to drink in a way that many wines aren't these days.

Apr 8th, 2017
Marc Stubblefield

Wine Sales at Vino Carta and Kogod Wine Merchant

8.2

All about the barrel right now. Unfortunately. But I think there's upside here in a few years.

All about the barrel right now. Unfortunately. But I think there's upside here in a few years.

Dec 27th, 2014
Marc Stubblefield

Wine Sales at Vino Carta and Kogod Wine Merchant

9.4

Unrepentantly Dry Creek Cab, but with a light touch. Minty and fruit driven (still), and just so drinkable with steak with mushrooms and roasted potatoes.

Unrepentantly Dry Creek Cab, but with a light touch. Minty and fruit driven (still), and just so drinkable with steak with mushrooms and roasted potatoes.

Aug 29th, 2014
Ted Smith

Deliciously shared by our tastemaker friend @northforkd

Deliciously shared by our tastemaker friend @northforkd

Mar 16th, 2014
Janice in Livermore

At dinner at home during shelter in place.

At dinner at home during shelter in place.

Mar 23rd, 2020
Jerry Raphael

Standard Rafanelli, just drinking great. A loaded wine all around.

Standard Rafanelli, just drinking great. A loaded wine all around.

Jul 9th, 2017
Carlos Fry

Nice balance, plenty of time on this vintage

Nice balance, plenty of time on this vintage

May 7th, 2015
Paul Stefani

Still needs another year to come together, but ooh so good! Leather, blueberry and blackberry with well integrated oak. Fine tannins with a long finish.

Still needs another year to come together, but ooh so good! Leather, blueberry and blackberry with well integrated oak. Fine tannins with a long finish.

May 3rd, 2015
Mike Hammill

THE BEST

THE BEST

May 12th, 2013